A surprise in the D.J. Williams DUI trial

A mistake during jury selection has resulted in a mistrial in the DUI case against Denver Broncos linebacker Genos “DJ” Williams. Defense attorney Harvey Steinberg motioned for mistrial this afternoon in Denver County Court, arguing that he should have been allowed to challenge three jurors during selection this morning but was allowed to strike only two. The judge agreed. A new trial has been set for Aug. 15.

Prosecutors say Williams, 29, was drunk Nov. 12, 2010 when he was stopped near Ninth Avenue and Broadway in Denver for driving without headlights turned on.

Earlier today, Steinberg quizzed potential jurors on their feelings toward the Denver Broncos and professional athletes. “Some people think athletes get treated too well,” he said. “What if I told you it’s the opposite? That everyone in the system is afraid they’ll be accused of giving athletes special treatment?” Steinberg also told jurors that no blood alcohol test will be admitted as evidence. Two police officers are expected to testify about the 2010 stop on the prosecution’s behalf.

Oh, Harv. You're so cute and cuddly when you bring out the conspiracies like that.

The good news for Harv and his client? In this great country of ours, you're presumed sober until proven intoxicated and without the ability to operate a moving vehicle at high rates of speed.

The bad news? The NFL says Williams' urine sample is still not human. And that freaks me out.

I can't even begin to imagine how this could have happened - i.e., that Steinberg was only able to challenge two jurors until it was too late to correct the problem. Three challenges in a misdemeanor trial is as basic as abc.

Posted by bradley on 2012-05-21 18:12:33

Steinberg, I hear you. As a mini celebrity, I'm quite recognizable when I'm out with my lady friends on the town. 5-O is always lookin' for trouble. It's not my fault my facial hair is gorgeous.